Conservation on Castle Farm

The Alexander family have been farming in the Darenth Valley since 1892. Practical conservation has always been an integral part of day-to-day activities – taking pride in caring for the environment as well as growing crops.

CONSERVATION ON CASTLE FARM

On Castle Farm, our farming techniques are designed to improve soil health and reduce inputs. Countryside Stewardship programmes are implemented across our farmland to support wildlife and deliver long-term environmental improvements. We use recycling schemes for plastic, metal, cardboard, inks and more across all farming operations.

In addition to our on-site conservation initiatives, Castle Farm actively collaborates with local environmental organisations (such as the Kent wildlife Trust), to promote sustainable farming practices across Kent. By participating in regional biodiversity programs and supporting wildlife-friendly farming networks, we aim to extend our commitment to environmental stewardship beyond our own fields. These partnerships enable us to share knowledge, implement innovative conservation strategies, and contribute to the broader goal of preserving Kent's rich natural heritage for future generations.

HERE ARE SOME OF THE THINGS WE DO:

We encourage greater species diversity and abundance across our farmland as we believe it is important to create wildlife habitats to improve insect numbers, birds and small mammals.

Wide grass margins are maintained around fields to provide habitats for wildlife and increase biodiversity.

Native flowers are nurtured to provide pollen and nectar for bees, butterflies and insects.

Over 30km of hedges, tree-lines and woodland shaws are managed to enhance the landscape and provide corridors for wildlife across the farm.

Tree and hedge planting projects are undertaken annually.

Hedges are cut to an A-shape to provide dense cover for nesting birds.

Over the winter, bare fields are sown with green ‘cover crops’ to improve the soil by preventing erosion, retaining nutrients and sequestering carbon.

Cattle manure and lavender compost are spread on the land to increase organic matter and fertility, thereby reducing the use of artificial chemicals and fertilisers.

Specialist Owl Boxes have been installed across the farm to encourage owl nesting.

Bee hives are situated in our fields and we partake in regular insect surveys to encourage healthy insect population across the farm.

The farm devotes over 10% of its cropping area to be managed with wildlife and the environment having priority over food production.

We are facilitating a river enhancement program; nurturing river biodiversity, supporting healthy fish life and encouraging the presence of water birds.